Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S, Chinese high-end analysis par excellence

If something has characterized Xiaomi throughout its almost 10 years of life is to do smartphones with unbeatable value for money . Their terminals have always had some specifications worthy of the most premium range with a price that borders on the mid-range, and I think I can affirm, without fear of being wrong, that the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S is its maximum exponent . After a long wait, we have been able to test it with our own hands for a long time – here are ourand the-, and today we bring you your respective analysis , possibly one of the most requested.

Let’s leave aside the technical aspect and let’s go to what really matters: the day to day with the terminal . How do you behave in games? How is your camera? How much does the battery last? Is it worth it to bet on the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S? All this, and much more, you will discover in the lines that you have below. First of all, let’s take a look at the specifications so you can see for yourself that nothing, absolutely nothing, has to envy any high range of 800 euros.

The best of the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S

His design

We start with the section that stands out most of the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S, which is none other than its design . Just take it out of the box you realize that the top of Xiaomi range is a premium device, nice, well assembled and with a feeling at hand that similar to its more expensive competition. This Built in ceramic with a really elegant glass finish , especially if it is the black model (the most beautiful of the two models, in my opinion). The entire back is built in this material, while the side frames are made of aluminum. Premium materials where they exist.

The screen is amazing and the undisputed protagonist of the device. The panel almost reaches the corner of the terminal -because there is a small black frame bordering it- and occupies more than 80% of the front. The sensation is that it is all screen, if not for the small chin that it has in the inferior part, where the inner camera lodges – of which already we will speak. It looks good even in broad daylight and the colors have a correct saturation level.

In a nutshell, it is a nice phone that will suit almost any user.

performance

What about the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S? As you can see in the specification table, the Chinese flagship incorporates the latest in the latest in terms of components , and this shows in the day to day. All applications open at a faster rate, and the device move any game you ask without disheveled . Multitasking, in addition, does an outstanding job, to the point that I closed a game and had it exactly where I left it after opening it two hours later.

I have not had a whit of lag , beyond the Google keyboard – which comes pre-installed and can be changed by another without much difficulty – Everything moves as you would expect from a device with Snapdragon 845 and 6 GB of RAM -in our case-, plain and simple. The latency of the screen is very, very good – it responds nothing else to touch it – and the experience of use of the terminal is, simply, excellent (we will clarify some aspects later).

Special attention is paid to the fingerprint reader, which is one of the fastest we have had the chance to try.

You do not usually pay special attention to this section in the analyzes, but I would like to address the quality of your connection . The four-antenna WiFi chip is noticeable, and more so if you are connected to a 5 GHz network. The GPS is instantaneous and the coverage is very, very stable , not to mention the speed of 4G, although that will depend on the country in which you are.

In short, a fast device, fluid, without lag and with good connectivity.

OS

The urban legend runs that MIUI is a complicated personalization layer, but Nothing is further from reality . While it’s true that it’s hard to get hold of her at the beginning, the truth is that, day by day, the experience is outstanding . MIUI moves very, very fluid. It is true that it has no applications box, although 1) you easily get used to living without him and 2) you can change the launcher if it does not finish convincing you.

On the other hand, MIUI has operating system configuration options so you leave everything as you like it. I would like to highlight the four that, possibly, you end up using:

The gestural navigation system : you can replace the keypad with the same gestures as the iPhone X. Once you use them you will not want to go back to the buttons. It took me a couple of hours to get used to it, and now what it costs me is to use other phones.

Double touch to wake up the screen : I know that many of the readers like this option, so I think it’s important to note that it can be activated.

Dual applications : You can clone your apps to have, for example, two numbers of WhatsApp in a single device.

Calibration of the screen : you can modify the color temperature and the contrast of the screen to adapt it to your preferences.

MIUI has evolved a lot over the years, and version 9.5 is proof of that. At this point, I think that if you have to choose a layer of customization, there are only two viable options: Android Pure or MIUI.

Rear camera

The one that says that the Chinese phones have a bad camera is that it has not tested the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S, without more. The rear camera is among the best on the market , at the level of the devices that lead the photographic quality rankings. His behavior in broad daylight is outstanding , with a good interpretation of high lights and shadows and a good level of detail, an HDR that works and an AI that shows, especially in the night scenes . The x2 optical zoom is also worthy of admiration, although the results are much better when taking pictures with the main sensor.

Portrait mode is good, but it is not your best point. Trim the subject well – thanks to the AI ​​- but it could be better.

In the same way, record video is a joy . Quality is not only good, but the stabilization is perfect . It has no cuts, no frame breaks and gives a very professional touch to the clip, both day and night. If you like to record video, the Mi MIX 2S will not leave you indifferent . You have some samples a little lower. Of course, for now, it does not support 60 frames per second in any of the resolutions.

I do not want to go to the next section without talking about camera app . It is simple, intuitive and has a good number of functions, among which are slow-motion video, portrait mode, photos in 1: 1 format and manual mode, which allows you to configure the camera at your leisure to take photos as we want Are you going to use all the modes? Possibly not, but it’s good to have them there , especially considering that the camera app is quite fast.

Whether you use the camera at the amateur level or you are a little more exquisite, the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S will like you.

Price

It is clear that this section had to be on the positive points, right? The price-performance ratio of the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S is unbeatable , and is that if we look at the performance, the design, the quality of the photos and the user experience, it seems incredible that we are facing a device that You can buy for between 450 and 500 euros . Do not you want to spend 800 euros on a mobile? I do not have to. The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S does the same – or more – and faster.

The worst of the Xiaomi MI MIX 2S

His design

How is it possible that you praise his design and now criticize it? Because you will not be able to enjoy it , simply. The back is a magnet for footprints , and it is useless to have a mobile with premium design if you are not going to be able to use it without fear of staining it. Luckily, Xiaomi includes a plastic case that goes hand-in-hand with the device, and I’ll tell you that you will be using it from the first day . The terminal is beautiful, attractive and appeals to those who see it, so it is unfortunate that you opt for a crystallized ceramic finish that is hidden 100% of the time.

On the other hand, I do not know who came up with the idea of ​​putting the frame with the internal camera in the lower area, because it does not make sense to look where you look . It is an unnatural position that causes you not to fancy selfies. The photo, putting the mobile in the position that you would normally put it, leaves nose down , so you’re forced to flip the phone to get a decent selfie. This method works in WhatsApp – as long as you have the screen rotation activated- but not on Instagram, for example , so nothing about Stories. I know it’s a hallmark of the MIX range, but the design has to be functional, and this is not.

Finally, and for making me fussy, it does not have a headphone jack and some are not included in the box . It is true that you include an adapter to use your usual headphones, but if you buy a Mi MIX 2S, get used to Bluetooth technology, because you will need it. It also has no infrared port.

Internal camera

If the rear camera was a blast, the front camera is the opposite . Obviating the position, which we have already discussed, The quality of the photos leaves a lot to be desired , especially considering that selfies are the order of the day. By default, the camera tends to overexpose the high background lights, something that is partially “solved” activating the HDR -I do not understand that it is not activated by default-. The shutter speed is a bit slow , so many of the selfies tend to get moved.

Are they the worst selfies in the world? No, but they have a lot of room for improvement . The photos come out too bright, the skies burned and the details never heard again. On the other hand, the internal camera has portrait mode, although it can not be used at the same time as the HDR. When you’re indoors, it works pretty well, but In broad daylight it’s result is bad , whether you are in the shade or in the sun.

If you’re a fan of selfies, the internal camera of the Mi MIX 2S is not going to like you.

Autonomy

Despite having 3,400 mAh, a figure not negligible and that should offer good results, the autonomy of the Mi MIX 2S could improve . On average I got between 4:30 and 5 hours active screen , which means that I have to charge the phone at seven in the afternoon. If you give a lot of cane, playing heavy games or taking pictures, be prepared to carry an external battery or the charger in your pocket.

It is important to note that the consumption in the background is high , and that does not use apps like Facebook or Facebook Messenger, which tend to spend a lot of battery. I trust that Android P and MIUI 10 solve the problem, because I insist, autonomy could -and should- improve. The load, yes, I thought it was pretty good . You can charge the terminal 100% in an hour and a half, and in half an hour you have 50%, more or less.

Photo proof

Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S, that’s what your cameras are like

If the Mi MIX 2 had a single lens, the Mi MIX 2S gets on the double chamber car . Placed in vertical format in the upper left area of ​​the rear, the arrangement of the cameras is, from top to bottom, telephoto (secondary sensor), LED flash and wide angle (main sensor). The results are excellent , especially in broad daylight, although at night we liked his performance very much. For sample, a button.

Day behavior, portrait and night mode

In broad daylight, The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S approves with note . The level of detail, contrast and saturation, high-light and shadow management, HDR mode and backlight management are worthy of admiration. It makes you want to take pictures , and the truth is that, personally, I have enjoyed a lot with him. All the photos that you will see below have been taken in automatic mode with HDR and activated Artificial Intelligence.

The AI ​​analyzes the scene and applies a series of filters and improvements to the photograph, as well as helping to cut out the portrait mode.

Rear camera, day photos

The photos speak for themselves. The quality is excellent and the results are what any user would like to obtain. It has a good level of detail, the colors are correct and the photo in general is well exposed. A 9, at least.

Rear camera, night photos

More of the same. The quality is very decent for a mobile of 450-500 euros . It is true that it can not avoid the yellowing generated by night lights, but the level of detail is exquisite.

Rear camera, portraits

It’s not that portraits are bad, but it is evident that they are not the best portraits of the worlds . Tends to apply a watercolor effect on the subject, which implies the loss of detail. What is undeniable is that the cut is very, very good, and if you do not notice too much, you will hardly notice imperfections.

Front camera, day selfies

What to say do not say the pictures, right? Selfies burned, with flat and bright colors … The front camera is not the best point of the Mi MIX 2S, unfortunately. When you activate the HDR you notice improvement, but it is not the panacea.

Front camera, night selfies

Judge for yourself. Not bad, of course, but you could get better results . In addition, taking selfies in a group is an ordeal due to the reduced angle of the camera.

Front camera, selfies with portrait mode

Not bad when conditions accompany, but the photos tend to come out burned . The cut, yes, is decent enough.

All the photos have been compressed to facilitate the loading of the page.

Video recording

Video recorded with the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S in FullHD at 30 FPS. I take off my hat, hulio.

– Jose García (@JoseDextro)

The video, again, leaves me with my mouth open.

– Jose García (@JoseDextro)

Just above you have two tweets with two videos recorded with the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S. As you can see, both in good light and in more unfavorable conditions, The flagship of Xiaomi approves with note . The quality of the clip is exceptional, the details can be seen at first sight and the stabilization is a jewel – both videos have been recorded by freehand. I think the archives speak for themselves.

Where it falters is in the internal chamber , and is that the result is equal or worse than the selfies. The angle is very low, the high lights are not well processed and the overall quality is poor. It is curious that it can be so excellent in one section and so regular in another.

The internal camera in photography is malilla, and in video more.

– Jose García (@JoseDextro)

Should you buy the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S?

The million dollar question: Is it worth buying the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S? My answer, based on the experience of use and the number of hours I have spent using the device, is a clear and resounding yes. Yes, without a doubt . The Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S is a very complete terminal, with a superlative performance and a spectacular photographic experience (if we talk about the rear camera, of course).

In relation quality-price, Only OnePlus 6 can face it , and in the absence of comparing both mobile phones more thoroughly, I would say that the Mi MIX 2S wins you in almost all sections . It is incredible that a terminal with such a price can offer such a satisfactory experience. Are you playing on your mobile? It’s worth it Are you taking pictures and videos? It’s worth it Are you listening to music and watching movies? It’s worth it (I have not mentioned it before, but the audio is exceptional). It is a complete device , ideal for those who want the best of the best without sacrificing a month’s salary.

Devices like the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S are the proof that leaving a thousand euros in a mobile is less and less justified.

Its shortcomings are few , and the one that could worry you the most, which is autonomy, is supplied with a good loading speed. The internal camera is regular, we agree, but if you’re not taking selfies or just take a couple of punctual photos, you may not care too much about this section. The design is dirty and the back part is full of traces , yes, but here, the one that more and the one that less, will end up buying you a case sooner or later, so it is not a point that you should decide your purchase -or not-purchase-.

The Mi MIX 2S is a good investment, despite its negative points.

On a personal level, I want to make a recommendation to Xiaomi, and that is, please, remove the internal camera from its location . I do not ask for it to be better (I understand that from somewhere you have to cut back), but at least you are in a decent and natural position. Even having a better quality, I’m sure no one will like to take pictures if they have to keep turning the phone every time.

Price and where to buy the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S

If you like the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S and want to take it home, you will be interested to know that can be yours for only 449 euros in. It is an official distributor of Xiaomi in Spain and they send it home for free in just 48 hours. In addition, it has a two-year Spanish warranty and customer service. It can also be yours at Amazon, yes, at a slightly higher price.

– It gets dirty easily – The internal camera can be improved – Autonomy – Position of the internal camera

Conclusions

In conclusion, the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S is a highly recommended purchase if you are looking for a fluid device, with an exquisite design and a very good photographic experience. If you are a fan of selfies, you will have to learn to deal with the internal camera, although this small fault is compensated with an outstanding in the rest of sections. For 500 euros, little more can be asked to the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S. You will not regret.

Punctuation

9 Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S

Power, speed, cameras and performance at an unbeatable price. Give the use you give to the mobile, the Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S will serve you well and will fulfill your expectations.